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Starlight and National Association of Health Play Specialists (NAHPS) are delighted to announce the winners of the National Play in Hospital Week Art Competition, which was recently judged by comedian Harry Hill at University College Hospital, London.

From the hundreds of entries, Harry picked out a winner for each of the seven allocated regions, London, The Midlands, The North, The South, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and an overall national winner.

The winners of the National Play in Hospital Week Art Competition are as follows:

Online children’s toy shop “Letterbox” has generously provided exciting toys and games as prizes for each of the regional winners, the national winner and the national winner’s hospital. In addition, the national winner’s drawing will be used on all marketing and publicity materials used to advertise National Play in Hospital Week.

After the judging, Harry Hill commented, “It was a great honour to be asked to judge the National Play in Hospital Week Art Competition with Starlight and NAHPS and to meet some of the young patients at University College Hospital, London.

“There were some great entries from across the UK and it was fascinating to see how each child had depicted the way in which play helps them when they are in hospital. Although they were all very different, each entry clearly showed that, whether it’s cuddling a teddy, blowing bubbles, or simply having a giggle, play really helps poorly children to cope with their pain and anxiety when in hospital.”

Irene O’Donnell, Play Services Manager at UCLH and Vice Chair of NAHPS, added “We were delighted that Harry agreed to judge the competition for us as the children really enjoyed taking part and sharing their views of play in hospital. We know that good quality play and recreation opportunities can enhance mental health and the importance of children and young people’s emotional and psychological health is also recognized as having an impact on their physical health.”

National Play in Hospital Week aims to raise awareness of the benefits of play in the treatment of poorly children across the UK. It will be celebrated between 8th and 14th October this year and if you would like to be involved, please contact Bianca Green at Starlight on biancag@starlight.org.uk.